The Glenturret 12 Year Old 2023 Release

Nose: Raisins, dried figs, dried dates, sherry, earthy leather, spicy oak. It smells like Christmas cake, plum pudding, and spiced cookies combined and served warm with sherry sauce. There's also a herbal liqueur note, similar to Chartreuse, in the background, and dilution reveals softer fruity notes. Palate: Spicy and intense from the very first sip, with cinnamon and tannins dominating, but it's manageable, and the spice never becomes bitter. It also develops a significant saltiness, with salt licorice, salted preserved plums, salted orange peel, and a metallic note becoming increasingly noticeable as it progresses. A strong sherry component is present, but it's dry, more like fino or amontillado than oloroso. There is definitely no PX sweetness here. The texture is good. Finish: Long. Spicy and drying (when neat) with walnut skins, dark cacao, and herbal notes in the aftertaste. Adding water enhances the sweetness of the finish. The nose is full and rich, reminding me of older Glenfarclas. This led me to anticipate a rich, oloroso-style palate, but it veered unexpectedly towards salty preserved fruits and herbal liqueurs taking prominence. The finish is extended, with a base of dry, savory flavors. What's most intriguing is how effectively this initially clashing combination of aromas and flavors works. At first, the whiskey seemed peculiar and unbalanced, but I quickly grew to appreciate its angular yet exceptionally well-crafted profile. It's somewhat like listening to Thelonious Monk – initially disarming, but compelling once you understand it. When consumed neat, this would serve as an excellent aperitif whiskey, as its dry character stimulates the palate much like a dry sherry. Adding a small amount of water noticeably alters the dram, bringing forward sweeter, softer nutty flavors, making it more suitable for general sipping. It also pairs wonderfully with black coffee. Tasted from a 30ml sample. “Very Good” 85/100 (4 stars)

The ultimate autumn dram. Brilliant with notes of raisins, ginger, cinnamon, apple pie, honey, bananas, and hints of smoke. Nose: Apple Pie, Raisins, Cinnamon, Acacia Honey, Bananas, Smoke, Vanilla, Strawberries, Coconuts, Bubble Gum, Walnuts, Banana Bread, Ginger Root Palate: Raisins, Nutella, Cinnamon, Strawberries, Toasted Honey, Granny Smith Apples, Sultanas, Hazelnuts, Ginger, Quince Pears Finish: Honey, Blood Oranges, Walnuts, Almonds, Strawberries, Dark Chocolate, Banana Bread, Cotton Candy, Vanilla

Nose: Hints of salt, fudge, and wax paper. Palate: Spicy ginger and warmth, along with cinnamon. It has a dusty oak character and tastes of sultanas. Finish: Oak spice takes over from the ginger. Burnt caramel notes emerge, followed by a lingering sweetness of dried fruit. Adding a little water brought out a nutty aroma and softened the warmth on the palate without dulling the flavors, also enhancing the dried fruit notes. I prefer it with a bit of water added.